Northumberland Tour

Introduction

Time: All Year

Accommodation: Luxury Accommodation

Start Date: 3 Nights / 4 Days

Group Size: Any Group Size

The far north east is the least populated area of England. Resting on the borders with Scotland, the region has had a very turbulent history both with neighbouring Scots and the English Crown. The area has a wonderful mix of scenery, gardens, houses and castles.

Profile

We will begin our tour with one of the world's great buildings the C11th Durham Cathedral then travel north into the quiet beauty of the Northumberland National Park. Resting in the outstanding countryside are highlights like Lindisfarne Island, Alnwick Castle and the numerous forts and monuments of the incomparable Hadrian’s Wall.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Durham City - Washington

Our first destination is the former mining city of DURAHM. The city is dominated by the stunning CATHEDRAL and CASTLE – both World Heritage Sites and relics of the Norman Conquest. The Cathedral is arguably the best example of Normal gothic architecture existing with it’s sheer size being overwhelming. The Castle is part of the modern University but has a classic C11th keep. A short walking tour will introduce you to these and the other attractions. WASHINGTON OLD HALL is the ancestral home of the Washington family and is in a tranquil setting in the village that gave the house amd family it’s name.

Day 2: Alnwick Castle & Garden - Bamburgh

The city of NEWCASTLE has it’s roots in Roman times and was one of the most important industrial cities in England. A few miles north lies ALNWICK. The CASTLE is the seat of the influential Dukes of Northumberland. Known as the Windsor of the North with extensive state apartments remodelled by Robert Adam in the C19th. ALNWICK GARDEN is a modern creation designed by the Duchess. The coast has numerous castles visible for miles around and they provide a vivid impression of the past. BAMBURGH is a delightful village and one of the oldest Royal sites in Britain - the castle dates back centuries.

Day 3: Lindisfarne Island - Chillingham Castle

In the far north of England is one of Christendom most important sites, LINDISFARNE. A tidal causeway to the island offers incredible vistas of this part of the county. The ABBEY here was founded in AD635 as a small wooden church and it became the focal point for the early expansion of the Christian faith. As well as a picturesque village, there is the CASTLE which sits majestically on a rocky promontory. Close is CHILLINGHAM CASTLE. This is England’s most haunted castle and owned by the same family for nearly 1000 years. The castle grounds are home to rare wild cattle – untouched by humans.

day 4: Northumberland Park - Hadrian's Wall

The NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK is some of England’s best but least visited countryside. In the Park, HADRIAN’S WALL lies on a volcanic escarpment and dominates the scenery. The Romans built the wall, probably as a formal way to collect taxes from the trade between their Empire and Scotland. VINDOLANDA is a fort which has been excavated over the last few years and it has uncovered some of the best preserved roman artefacts anywhere in the world. For the best views of both the Wall and the countryside a short walk takes us to HOUSESTEADS – the best preserved Roman fort.